12/06/2026
Snuffle Season is Here - Watch Your Cats
The cold + dry air = sneezy, congested kitties. “Snuffles” usually means upper respiratory infection - basically cat flu. It spreads fast in rescues, colonies, and multi-cat homes.
Warning signs to watch for
- Sneezing fits or constant sniffles
- Runny nose/eyes - clear at first, then thick/yellow/green
- Congestion - mouth breathing, snoring when awake
- Loss of appetite - if they can’t smell, they won’t eat. This is urgent
- Lethargy - sleeping more, hiding, no play
- Ulcers - pawing at mouth, drooling, especially with calicivirus
- Fever - warm ears/paws, dry nose
What to do at home until you can get to a vet:
1.Steam helps: Sit with them in a steamy bathroom 10-15 min, 2-3x/day to loosen congestion
2.Keep them eating: Warm up wet food, try strong-smelling fish/tuna. No food = liver problems in 24-48hrs for cats
3.Wipe face/eyes: Use warm damp cloth to clear discharge so they can breathe + see
4.Isolate if you can: Snuffles is HIGHLY contagious. Separate sick cats to protect others
5.Hydration: Fresh water always. Broth or watered-down food if they’re not drinking
Vet time NOW if you see:
They stop eating/drinking completely, struggle to breathe, turn blue around gums, or kittens under 6 months get sick. Kittens + seniors crash fast.
Prevention tips:
Vaccinate with core FVRCP - it won’t stop ALL snuffle but makes it way milder. Keep immune systems strong: low stress, clean litter, good nutrition.
Snuffles is miserable but most cats recover with support + meds from your vet. Don’t wait + hope - cats hide illness until it’s serious.
Early detection = better outcomes
